My parakeets are trying to kill each other

[hsm5grls]

I have had my two parakeets for 4 years. They have always lived together. One is a girl and one is a boy. Recently they started mating so I am thinking Oh good they love each other how sweet etc. well in the last 2 they started fighting and I mean really fighting. Rolling around on the bottom of the cage, clutched in each other claws and biting. Feathers flying everywhere. I literally have to pry them apart. Why would they just start fighting like that. I am afraid one of them is really going to get hurt. Anyone have parakeets or know why all of a sudden they would want to kill each other.
They have always been fine together I am stumped.

 

[helmstead]

Ah...hormones.

How big is your cage? Does she have somewhere to go for some peace? How many nests do you have in there? How many activites?

 

[hsm5grls]

yes they have a big cage with a nest box and a lot of toys. She has her favorite swing that she loves. I just don't get it. Now they are sitting together on their perch like nothing happened. Like hey I am sorry I just tried to kill you. I can't figure them out. Here's the really weird thing though he goes in the nest box and hardly ever lets her in. Should I get another nest box? I never thought of that.

 

[helmstead]

Yup - you need another nest ASAP - that is your problem! Easy fix. They will squabble from time to time...but having two nests will help!

 

[hsm5grls]

Great I am glad I posted I am going to go get a new nest box today before they hurt each other. I just assumed he would be a gentleman and give the nest to her.

 

[picklespickles]

i had to do taht with my dogs. as soon as they both had beds, then they would sleep together. lol.

 

[helmstead]

Be sure to offer her nesting material, too - available at the pet store. Now that she's sexually mature, she'll want to primp and prep that nest to her liking. He might help, too. You're going to be getting eggs, LOL! Make sure too that there are lots of toys and treats available to keep them busy doing things beside fighting.

 

[hsm5grls]

Thank you helmstead I was assuming that they were just never going to mate they are 4 yrs. old and I was told they were past the baby making age. YEAH Babies, must be the water around here everything is making babies LOL Guess I need to google parakeet's to learn about what to do when they eggs are laid.

 

[picklespickles]

that's amazing you had them for so long. you never know with nature.

 

[country freedom]

Quote:
I don't think parakeets need nesting material, they lay their eggs on the bare bottom of the nest. I raised parakeets about 7 years ago and my pair never had nesting material for their nest. Go online and look up breeding budgies, look up if nesting material is needed. I don't think they need it, though.